11 things in your bathroom that it's time to throw away

That sunscreen from last summer might have to go. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

It's tough to keep track of the ever-changing stock of items in your medicine cabinet. Before you know it, those little shelves might end up full of ineffective and expired products that should probably be thrown in the trash.

2. Toothpaste that's several years old

Expired toothpaste isn't dangerous to use, but if it's really old — think several years past its printed expiration date — its fluoride may not work properly anymore, dentist Joel H. Berg told the New York Times. Its consistency could also change after a while, making it tough to squeeze out of the tube.

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3. Any expired sunscreen

It's important for your sunscreen's going to work when you need it most.Shutterstock

The first is a change in color: A little yellowing is usually no big deal, but look out for dramatic changes in a product's hue.

Next, there's odor. It's normal for a product's scent to lose potency over time, but again, beware of dramatic changes. A rancid smell, in particular, indicates that oils in your product have gone bad.

Changes in consistency can also indicate that it's time to throw out a product. This is especially true when it comes to sunscreen, the Cosmetist explained — it may not work as promised if the consistency has changed.

Finally, check for bacteria or fungi in the form of black or gray growths. In case it's not obvious, products with such growths should be thrown out immediately.

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5. Expired medications

Nitroglycerin, insulin, and liquid antibiotics should never be used if they're expired.
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But just because that date passes, doesn't mean a medicine immediately stops working. In fact, a US government study found 90% of more than 100 prescription and over-the-counter drugs were still safe and effective even 15 years after the expiration date passed.

Still, Free recommends sticking to those dates. "Right now what I tell patients is to follow the true expiration dates [on packages] just to be cautious," she said.

When in doubt, consult a pharmacist. And if you do throw out a medicine, follow these FDA guidelines to make sure you're disposing it safely.

One final note: Free said medicines should be stored in a cool dry place — and that bathrooms and kitchens are generally a bad choice due to their heat and moisture. Try moving yourself to your nightstand or a bedroom closet instead.

7. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide you've had for years

Free said that disinfectants like rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can become less effective over a long period of time, and recommended buying smaller bottles if you don't use them very often. Toss them after the printed expiration date.

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8. Old contact lens cases

Replacing your case is an easy way to reduce the risk of eye infections.Marco Verch/Flickr

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says you should replace your contact lens case at least every three months. Since your fingers come in contact with lens cases, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria that cause eye infections.

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9. Expired contact lens solution

Expired solution might give you an infection.
Flickr/ Niek Beck

You should never ever use expired contact solution even if the bottle is still full, according to FDA optometrist Bernard P. Lepri. In an interview with Medscape, Lepri explained that expired solution can end up contaminated — and using it could lead to infections, vision loss, and (in extreme cases) blindness.

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10. That giant tub of petroleum jelly you rarely use

Don't hang on to ancient petroleum jelly.
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Free explained that your fingers can introduce bacteria into a tub of petroleum jelly every time you touch it. Next time you go through your medicine cabinet, it's probably wise to get rid of any ancient containers you've been holding on to.